Fill your home with the scents of the Holidays with these 5 Holiday inspired simmer pot recipes.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclaimer here.
Simmer pots are natural, homemade air fresheners that are made by heating a variety of fragrant fruits, spices, and herbs in water.
There are two heating methods:
On the stove
Add the ingredients to a pot filled with water. Bring to a slow boil then turn down to a simmer once you begin to smell the ingredients.
Check the water level frequently and add more water as needed.
In a crockpot
Add all the ingredients to a crockpot and fill with water. Set the crockpot to high.
I like using this method best since I can set it and forget it.

Simmer Pot Recipes
1. Christmas Morning
- 1 medium orange sliced thin
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 whole star anise
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tbs whole cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla
2. Cran-Apple Spice
- 5 apple slices
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tbs whole cloves
- 1/2 tsp ginger
3. Winter Wonderland
- Evergreen sprigs
- 1 lemon sliced thin
- 3 whole star anise
- 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries
4. Gingerbread
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh ginger root
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tbs whole cloves
- 2 tsp vanilla
5. Apple Pie
- 5 apple slices
- 3 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 tbs whole cloves
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Storing a Leftover Simmer Pot
With whichever method you choose, you can store the simmer pot mix in the fridge overnight.
Reuse it for 3-4 days until the scent is gone.
Holiday Gift Jars
Simmer pot gift jars make wonderful homemade holiday gifts.

- Dry any fresh ingredients beforehand. (Learn how to make oven-dried citrus rounds here.)
- Add all of the ingredients into a mason jar (or these).
- Cover and tie a bow with string and a gift tag.

Which of these are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below!
Share it with me on Instagram!
Tag @thehomesteadmother or hashtag it #onceuponahomestead
Until next time

